Soaking In It

2 Samuel 5:11 – 25, 6 and 1 Chronicles 13, 14, 14 & 16

I loved today’s parallel readings.  The unfolding and the setting.  In Samuel and in Chronicles. One version adding details and supporting the others.  Adding integrity. 

This story of David bringing the ark back to Jerusalem. 

I love this soaking in the story.  This slow reading.   Which still feels like break neck speed somehow. 

David so excited and longing to bring the ark to Jerusalem from the home of Abinadab.

Wanting to start his reign off properly to bring God’s Presence and Dwelling close to him, in a new tent.  David has been seeking and running hard after God since his early anointing. Walking with God and seeking His Will before making decisions for his life and his walk and the people.  Seeking God’s guidance for battle, which is something Saul had abandoned. 

David building a palace from cedars and supplies from Tyre.  This great gift another symbol of his growing royal status and stature.  Recognized and supported by neighboring nations.  Nations seeking alliance with a growing and formidable force. 

And yet David thought he could just roll the ark out of Abinadab’s house, on a cart, but after Uzzah died reaching out to steady the ark, David realized his error, as God punished the act.  David became angry and afraid and put the bringing of the ark on pause for 3 months.  During that time, he called the Levites to consecrate themselves, and prepare to carry the ark on poles to Jerusalem. God demanding holiness.  

It seems like David’s heart is in the right place, doing all the right things, and his heart is full.   David’s whole heart and spirit invested.  Really demonstrative.  Pouring his whole soul into his songs.  Like he never did anything half way.  A wide-open book.

There was so much singing and dancing, on this day.  I love that.  So much joy.   About the ark and about wanting to honour God and seek Him.  That this was the collective desire of a nation.  

David in a linen ephod, (1 Chron 15:27) “Now David was clothed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites, who were carrying the ark, and as were the singers.  David also wore a linen ephod.  “ NIV Notes – a priestly garment worn by those serving before the LORD in His Sanctuary.   I always thought that David was dancing in his undergarments, but it sounds more like he was dressed in temple servants clothing.   David dancing and promising to be even more undignified.  Humble.  Carried away in the Spirit. That emotion in worship is not a bad thing at all.  Something to feel with all your senses, heart, and body, and soul, and mind, and strength.  

So that’s the setting of joy and celebration. 

The subtext of Chapter 16’s praise song based on Psalm 105, 106 and 96.

It’s really cool to read these Psalms when you can almost hear the sound of the instruments and the noise of the gathering and feel the press of the crowd.  These Psalms of praise taking on depth and significance.  Praising God through the ages:

1 Chron 16:8-13 “Glory to His Holy Name,

Let the hearts of those who see God rejoice. 

Look to the LORD and His Strength

Seek His face always.

Remember the wonders,

His miracles and judgments.

15 He remembers, His covenant forever,

The Word He commanded for a 1000 years.”

So I love that, this covenant renewed and resumed, a two sided relationship.  

A story that David wanted to tell to the people. 

A story that made his heart so glad and he wanted that for all the people. 

Something they would do together as a nation.  

The very reason he called them to gather.  

Back to Promised Land living.  

Because it made his joy complete. 

1 Chron 16:25 to 29 Ascribe greatness & Glory

Worship the LORD

In the splendour of His Holiness.” 

In all of this Mattathiah baking bread, alongside the door and gatekeepers of the House of God. 

Better is one day in your courts than a 1000 elsewhere. 

I love that today.

This collective joy among the people.  

Community.

That all the hard work is worth it.